Power Steering Bleed.mpg

This is my version of a GM TSB procedure for bleeding the air out of a power steering system that whines even though it's full of fluid. GM says to use a vacuum pump - I use the engine vacuum - it's less work... (heh heh). The special tool can be fabricated using an oil filler cap (available at Advance Auto Parts) for an 60s model 350 Chevy engine.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Power Steering Noise
• Air Bleed
• PS Fluid
• Pump

[McCuistian]

That little container is designed for exactly the kind of thing I was doing - it comes with a Mityvac handheld vacuum pump and is designed to prevent the fluid from reaching the source of the vacuum as long as you don't let it get too full and you hold it level.

[McCuistian]

The Stant Oil Filler cap is this one: 1975-1996 Chevrolet G30 Oil Filler Cap - Stant

Ask for that number particularly

[McCuistian]

Comments like yours make it all worthwhile!!! Thanks. :)

[McCuistian]

Yep - that was a slip of the tongue - we don't use transmission fluid in power steering systems - even today, not all power steering fluids are created equal, so a known good brand must be used. But in most of the shops where I worked for the first fifteen years of my career transmission fluid was poured into power steering units everywhere, usually Ford type F. It isn't like putting oil in the brake master cylinder - but it's wise to use power steering fluid.

[McCuistian]

Thanks!  You might also check searchautoparts for my Motor Age article on power steering - it came out in the August issue...

[McCuistian]

It's an oil filler plug from an old Chevy small block - it's soft rubber - check the HELP board parts at ADVANCE. I believe that's where the one I used came from.

[spelunkerd]

Nice idea, to use engine vacuum with a trap.

[oneeyebear]

I really need to know what you used to catch the fluid to prevent it from going into the engine... what is it called? does it have to be airtight, since it is a vacuum? is there pvc tubing inside the fluid catching thing? it just seems to me like the fluid would go into that elbow on the top and go right to the next elbow over and go into the engine if there wasn't tubing in the catcher

[CraigDoubleU]

I have been trying to find one of those plugs at Advance to no avail. Can you provide any more detail?

Thanks.

[freakofthewest]

Nice, most first gen neons need an up date to ATF+4 (look up the ms-#### of the standards for "power steering fluid" they specify, all MOPAR ATF) some came with AFT+2 or ATF+3. The new stuff makes less noise and less varnish. But pulling all the air out... pain. This will be easier, than the other ways I've done it.

[vaancee]

@McCuistian

My car's power steering cap says to use ATF.

[FinkleGator]

This was an awesome idea. Worked perfectly on my 2004 town and country. Looking at other videos I also replaced the resevoir because of the possibility of the filter being clogged in it. After replacing and refilling fluid I used this method to bleed the system. For the pump plug I used a sink drain plug from Home Depot with a barbed brass fitting inserted through the center. Made the bottle he used out of pvc Y fitting and threaded plugs and barbed brass fittings. Worked perfectly.